2012 Big Opportunity

The year 2012 is going to be so exciting. We have an awesome team , plus I have been given a huge opportunity to race in British Columbia. A friend named Grace asked me to team up with her for a 7 day mountain bike stage race. Many mountain bikers know of Grace Ragland. She has MS but man is she an incredible mountain biker! Her skills are so amazing and she is just an inspiration . We have so much fun together , and I have learned so much from her. I can't wait for an amazing 2012.

Cyclocross Worlds

Cyclocross Worlds were in Louisville KY this year. It was freezing outside! My race was the very last one of the day. I never thought to have a second bike in the pitt stop but what a huge mistake! The conditions throughout the day changed from frozen ground to peanut butter mud. My wheels would not turn from the caked mud which made me have to run laps with a ver heavy bike. I was determined to cross the finish line no matter if I had to crawl. I did cross the finish line because on our team quitting is just never an option. It's always a worst feeling of quitting a race then coming in last.The race was fun and I was definitely thankful and glad to be a part of the World Championship with US Stove/Trek.

racing in 2011

The year 2011 was challenging for me. I took the winter off and pursued another sport. In June I went on a two week mission trip with my daughter. July was the month I was ready to train again and race with my awesome team. August was a month in which cancer placed a huge eye opener and scare on my life. I had surgery and another invasive procedure all within two days apart. Everything turned out fine but it changed my life. I was so blessed and thankful to be able to ride a bike and race with such wonderful friends and teammates. Thank you Team US Stove for your support and friendship.

UCI cyclecross

I haven't written in a while but its been a busy year. My mountain bike season as a first year expert rider wasn't the best. Big difference trying to race woman that are all fit and know how to handle their bikes. Summer is kind of an off season for me because of family obligations. I raced when I could and just lived with the results. Now that my daughter is back in school I can train and start the cyclecross season also as a first year cat 3 racer. The season started out in Alabama, I knew that 15 more minutes of racing would be so painful. I lined up with women that looked really fast. One of them I knew was super fast and that was Kym , my teammate. She would probably lap me but that would be ok. After the first lap I found myself in second place, but a friend that rode up with us was breathing down my neck. Dang, I was frothing at the mouth trying to escape her. Finally, she was gone and there was two laps to go. I kept my second place and was hooked again for the season. By the way Kristy , if you are reading this ,you are strong and will have an incredible season.

The following weekend brought the big UCI cross race in Ohio. Not just one race but three. How in the world do you race three days in a row? Well , its hard, and painful. Everyday was a different course which brought all kinds of new little painful challenges. Day one was my best, it would of been fun on a mountain bike. The course was up or down and way off camber with a lot of holes everywhere. There were so many women at the start line. I was called up in the last row. How in the world do you pass any of these people. Somehow I found ways around corners and came in 5th. I was really happy , but didn't know how I would race for two more days. Saturdays course was more flat with tight , twisty corners around trees. Could not find a way to pass many girls and ended up 9th. The last day was the hardest. I had an incredible start, aggresive , and found myself passing women but boy was I redlined. The last lap I ended up on the ground while trying to pedal on a off camber downhill. When I got up my bike was on the wrong side of my body. I was so flustered that I fumbled and it took me forever to get back on. The sand pits sucked any energy that was left and I probably looked like a fool trying to run them. I don't know why they had to put those right in front of the anouncer. I ended in 8th place which was a bummer but thats cross.

Copper Mountain

This year my daughters spring break was early and I missed the team camp at Pisgah. We went to Copper Mountain Colorado snow skiing. This was one of my favorite vacations with family and friends. The weather was perfect and I got addicted to skiing this time. My 65 year old Dad and I would close the slopes down most every day. My form may not be the best but I love the hard stuff. I think our Winter camp should be biking and skiing next year. Sound fun guys?

Leadville 100 Mountain Bike Race

I did Leadville 2 years ago with my teammate Lisa Thompson. Leadville is a race which entry takes place by lottery. Hundreds of people sign up and acceptance is heard a couple of months later by mail. A belt buckle is the prize at the end of a very long, high altitude, race. You have to finish under 12 hours to win this buckle. Now, one would think that 12 hours is plenty of time to finish a mountain bike race. I made it within 2 minutes. Yea, too close for comfort! It took me two years to forget the pain that I experienced with this race. I have never cried at the end of a race and believe me, I've had my share of long, painful events. I cried like a baby after I crossed the finish line as my husband and friends were anxiously awaiting. This year the pain is still a memory but a distance one. I decided to give it a try and apply for an entry by lottery along with my new teammate Amy. I couldn't believe it when I heard that both of us received entry!! Its exciting but scary. There is no cheating the training and dedication that this race demands. So, please cold weather go away!!!! I need to get outside now and train.

...and then Kym hijacked Star's blog.

Hi everyone, Kym here. I am hijacking Star's blog for just a minute to brag on her incredible cyclocross season. Not only has she gotten really REALLY good at cross, She won the TN state chempion title AND the GA state race (although she could not get the GA jersey because she was not a resident). I know she says she's an endurance racer, but she ROCKED at cross this year and is going to be even better this fall racing as a Cat. 3.

Congrats Star, we are so PROUD OF YOU!!!!!

Love,

Your Team